Disclaimer: That's right everyone. Coastal Current is going to be the main location of season six! This will also be the most battle heavy season yet. I'm a sucker for Shonen anime, so this should be a lot of fun for me to try out. So expect at least one of these fights to be longer than one chapter, like Wave and Miranda's last battle was.

Also, I don't own Paw Patrol.

Paw Patrol X

Melody Rescue arc Episode Three: My Tie To Cut Part Three

Inside Bloodfreak's base, Melody was waking up. She started to get scared when she realized she was in a cell. She started looking around frantically. "Zoom Zoom? Mommy? Daddy?" Melody got out of the bed she was on. It was hard and bare, like those jail cell beds. The only comfort she had was a pillow. She started to tear up when she realized she was all alone. "Where are you!?"

After calling out, Melody heard Bloodfreak's voice. "If our plan works..." Melody looked to find Bloodfreak arriving with a tray of food. It wasn't anything special. Just a bologna sandwich with some crackers and water. At least it looked edible. "one of them will be coming for you." Bloodfreak managed to slip the food through the bars. They both had their own individual plates. Melody was still scared to come over. "Relax, it's not poisoned. Killing you would defeat the purpose of our plan."

Melody stayed right where she was, refusing to accept anything from Bloodfreak. "My parents and Zoom Zoom said never to take food from strangers!"

"And yet you wanted to get something from an ice cream truck." Bloodfreak pointed out in an attempt to contradict Melody. "Look kid. It's either you eat what we give you or ya starve. I wouldn't have brought it to you if I didn't want you to eat it."

Melody looked at the food, but continued to distrust Bloodfreak. "Where's my family!? And Rock Rock! He was there too!"

"After we got you, we left them in the city." Bloodfreak informed Melody. He stood up to leave, but before he did, he let Melody know what the plan was. "If Zuma comes and joins us, we'll let you go back home to your parents. And if he doesn't accept right away... we'll figure something out."

Bloodfreak walked off with Melody running up to the bars. She called to him in an attempt to be brave. "You won't get your way! My brother's in the Paw Patroller! He's gonna kick your hieney!"

"We'll be ready if he tries!" Bloodfreak called back. For some reason, he wasn't aggressive with Melody at all. Just stern. Melody looked at the food, wondering if she should really eat it. That was when her stomach growled. She knew Zuma didn't want to see her starving herself. Perhaps she should accept their food.

Melody sat in front of the food before picking up one of the crackers. "Next time, serve me breakfast first!" Melody started eating one of the crackers before showing fear again. She tried to contain herself, holding onto hope that Zuma would save her.

Zuma's jet-ski was racing through the ocean with Zuma's unfazed determination having carried him throughout the night. Rocky was holding onto him, ready to stand by his side no matter what. While they were still an hour away, Zuma could see it through his bionic telescope. Coastal Current was dead ahead. Zuma looked back at Rocky for a bit before looking ahead again. "I know it's been a long night Wocky. But we're almost thewe."

"You really think he's there?" Rocky asked, knowing there was at least a chance this guess would be wrong.

"He has to be. It's the pwefect bait." Zuma assured Rocky. He was confident Bloodfreak using his hometown as a base was meant for him. It didn't make sense for him to drop that hint otherwise.

Rocky got a look at his phone and found out that it was around nine in the morning. He almost dropped his phone when a rock hit it, but he used his metal powers to bring it back. Zuma also used his water powers to keep him from falling in. "Thanks Zoomy." Zuma nodded in response before Rocky put his phone away. "The others have to be coming now too."

Zuma didn't doubt that for a second. The Paw Patrol would never let someone go into a death battle alone. "Figuwes they would've come anyway."

Rocky couldn't help but question why Zuma tried to come by himself. He told him about his battle with Wave from last night. That was enough indication that the others were more than willing to help. Ryder calling for the mission alone did that too. It just didn't make sense to Rocky. "Why did you try to leave by yourself anyway?" Zuma looked back at Rocky, knowing this question was important. "You knew we would've helped you."

Ironically, that's part of why Zuma tried to do this solo. It's not that he didn't feel bad for leaving the others behind. But he didn't want them getting involved in his mistakes. He looked ahead, losing no determination when giving his answer. "These ties are mine to cut." Rocky became worried after hearing that, but he kept it to himself. He didn't want Zuma to lose focus on saving Melody; especially now that they were so close. The two of them continued making their way to Coastal Current. In one hour, Zuma's mission would officially begin.

Back at the HQ, Wave and the others were only a couple minutes away from heading out. Wave was hugging Liberty before they left. "We'll be back before you know it Libby." She pulled Liberty away when giving her some advice. "If you have any problems, just call Ryder. We also have Richie coming over to help."

"Okay. Thanks Wave." Liberty started to remember what happened to Sid. She didn't want Zuma to go through what Arrby did. "If Arrby and I can help, just let us know. We'll head out to Coastal Current as soon as we get the command." Wave rubbed Liberty's head to let her know she understood.

Snow and Everest were getting ready as well with Snow creating a booster for the Paw Patroller. "This should get us there in no time. Three hours if my calculations are correct."

"Hehe. You sound like Rocky." Everest admitted, leading to a friendly punch from Snow before she laughed again. Everest frowned when she started to think about Melody. She showed empathy when expressing this to Snow. "I hope Melody's okay." Snow looked at Everest, who was starting to flash back to when Charm held her captive. "Being held prisoner by someone you barely know anything about... is haunting. And Melody's so young. She didn't deserve any of this."

Snow started holding Everest's paw when she saw how tense she was getting. This helped her calm down a bit, and she smiled to Snow gratefully. "We'll save her. Just like we saved you. If Zuma's making one thing clear, it's that he won't let anything else come from this."

Everest hugged Snow, who wrapped her arms around her. That was when Charm spoke up from nearby. "No one deserves forced imprisonment." Snow and Everest looked to see Charm walking up to them. He looked remorseful as he recalled his first meeting with Snow and Everest. "Unless it's fair. It wasn't when I made you prisoner Everest."

Everest released Snow and walked up to Charm. She didn't hold that against him anymore, and her next words showed. "We've all grown after that experience Charm. If all goes as hoped, we'll make sure Melody can too."

Charm patted his knife, which was tucked into his fur pocket (I think this is the first time I mentioned those). He made it clear he'd be ready to assist in this rescue. "And this time, I'll be doing the rescuing." He smiled after saying that. Getting to help his friends always felt good. As much as he still loved blood.

Claw was contemplating his ability to be a leader for this mission. Arrby saw this and sat down next to Claw by the Paw Patroller. "You okay Claw?"

Claw looked at Arrby when he answered. "Oh, hey Arrby. I'm fine. Just wondering if I can do this."

"Return to Coastal Current after so long?" Arrby asked concernedly.

"Lead the Melody Rescue squad." Claw corrected, knowing it'd been a long time since he defended Barkingburg. "I've spent six years on the Paw Patrol, and not once have I led a mission of this magnitude. I'm worried I've lost my ability to lead since I stopped being Barkingburg's knight."

Arrby tried to think of the right words to say here. He knew there must've been something he could say to help Claw. "I don't know much about leadership myself, but I know Chase and Ryder always ask for help." Claw looked at Arrby, who shared his advice. "Maybe you should ask for help too."

Claw gave a light laugh before acknowledging Arrby's advice. "That would be my best course of action. Maybe I could get some tips from Ryder."

"Yeah, there ya go." Arrby said encouragingly, knowing Claw could get the hang of leadership.

Marshall was walking up to Wave, who was rubbing Rubble's head before letting him head off. He got Wave's attention when Rubble opened up a bag of chips. "Hey Wave."

Wave noticed the hint of regret in Marshall's voice. She turned to Marshall to check on him. "Hey Marshall. What's wrong?"

Marshall knew he couldn't get anything past Wave. So he shared what he was feeling. "I'm sorry if I upset you during the briefing. I didn't mean anything bad by what I said."

That surprised Wave, which she made clear in what she said next. "What? No! You didn't upset me." Marshall paid attention as Wave shared her own concerns. "I started thinking about Zuma when you said it. He told me Melody needed help from someone who... knows how it feels." Marshall realized where Wave was coming from. She was so used to empathizing with others. It had to hurt her to feel like she couldn't for a friend. "You all have some idea on how Zuma feels. The only thing I know is that it hurts."

Marshall put his paw on Wave's shoulder when giving her some words of encouragement. "It's okay Wave. The fact that you're thinking about him at all shows that you care about him." Marshall gave Wave a smile when assuring her of something else. "Sometimes, caring about someone is enough to help."

Wave smiled gratefully just before Ryder called everyone over. "Wave, Marshall, Snow, Claw, Charm, front and center!" The Melody Rescue Squad ran over to Ryder and stood right in front of him. The first thing Ryder addressed was the suddenness of the squad excluding Rocky and Zuma. "Sorry this is such short notice. I wish Chase and Skye could've come too, but we can't wait now." Ryder clenched his fist as he expressed his biggest hope. "All we can hope for is that Rocky and Zuma are holding their own as well as they did against Slash."

"And that we can save Melody." Wave chimed in, smiling to Ryder, as she knew he agreed. "Right Ryder?"

Ryder smiled, showing that Wave was right to say that. "Right Wave." Ryder knew there wasn't a lot of time, so he decided to start the mission then and there. "So without any more delay, let's move out. No job is to big, no pup is too small!" The Melody Rescue Squad all howled and barked together before entering the Paw Patroller. Ryder entered with the five pups as the door closed behind them. Just before the Paw Patroller took off, Wave set Zuma's guitar, which he left behind, beside her bed.

The Melody Rescue Squad was now out at sea, making great progress in their journey to Coastal Current. Claw was walking up to Ryder, who was at the front seat. He saw him working on something that caught his eye. "Whatcha got there Ryder?"

"Just a little something to help us move around Coastal Current." Ryder answered, putting the finishing touches on the device as he explained what it did. "Once it's finished, I can send a drone over there and start scanning the city, which will give us knowledge on every part of the island. With permission of course. Thanks for giving me the mayor's number by the way; I'm surprised you remembered it." Ryder finished up his device and got ready to send the drone out. "Since you know Coastal Current better than all of us, I'm trusting you to guide us."

Claw smirked when he accepted the device from Ryder. "What do you think Zuma and I did, sneak out of the orphanage and explore the island?"

"It crossed my mind." Ryder admitted, allowing Claw to put the device away. "The way you use it is simple. Just zoom in on it when you get the chance, and see which location has the most people in it. Those areas could be where Bloodfreak's base is."

Claw felt that sounded easy enough. He just hoped he could lead the others well. "Hopefully, I can put it to good use." Claw remembered Arrby's advice and decided to act on it. "Would you mind helping me get the hang of it?"

Ryder scooted over to Claw to give him a helping hand. "Sure. We'll have time." When the icons started coming up, Ryder started giving Claw instructions. "Everyone will have their own individual dot. The buildings have their own shapes and sizes after scanning."

Wave was looking at her pup-phone concernedly. She wanted to call Zuma, but wasn't sure if he'd pick up. Marshall was sitting next to Wave and quickly noticed. "I'm sure he's not mad at you Wave."

"I'm just wondering if he'll pick up." Wave shared, worrying greatly about how Zuma was approaching this. "He made it pretty clear he wanted to do this himself. That might include him not answering our calls."

Marshall took his Pup-Phone out with an idea. Maybe he could help Zuma feel more comfortable with talking to them. "You want me to try? I could get through to him, older brother to older brother."

Wave gave it a bit of thought and concluded that Marshall's idea made sense. Having someone who understands Zuma's struggles could lead to him listening better. And Marshall said it himself; he was in Zuma's predicament before. "Ya know? I think you might be onto something. Here's hoping it works."

Marshall started giving Zuma a call as he expressed his own hope for that. "I'm right there with ya Wave." The phone started ringing, leaving Wave and Marshall hoping Zuma would pick up. "Come on Zuma. Pick up. Please."

Rocky and Zuma were just arriving at Coastal Current fifty six minutes after the Melody Rescue Squad set off. Zuma was helping Rocky gently despite being in a hurry. "I gotcha Wolfy." Once they got onto the dock, Zuma got Marshall's call. He took out his Pup-Phone, and when he saw it was him, he sighed. He showed concern for Marshall, but was also annoyed in the team's persistence. Couldn't they just understand why he didn't want them involved? He answered the call, hoping he could convince them. "What do you want Mawshall?"

Wave and Marshall were relieved that Zuma picked up, but they were concerned over his tone. He was hiding his concern behind a tone of annoyance. Marshall showed his concern right away though. "Zuma, please let us help you. We're your friends. You didn't have to tackle this on your own."

"Bloodfweak isn't your guys' business Mawshall." Zuma insisted. Rocky noticed Zuma tapping his hind paw during the call. He was clearly upset about everything going on. And who could blame him? "I should be the one who saves Melody. It's my fault Bloodfweak leawned about her."

Rocky placed a paw on Zuma's shoulder for comfort. It became harder when Zuma heard Marshall's response. "That doesn't mean you have to do this by yourself. We can help you."

Zuma stopped tapping his paw, his annoyance changing to doubt. As soon as Marshall said that, a question popped into Zuma's mind. "Are you suwe you can?"

"Of course I'm sure! What kind of question is that?" Marshall asked out of confusion and fear for Zuma. "The Paw Patrol is all about helping others. That includes helping each other. If we can get through what Slash has done, then-"

"I think you'we missing the point Mawshall." Zuma interrupted, sounding a bit more harsh when he did. This startled Rocky, and surprised Wave and Marshall. Snow, who was the closest, heard what was happening and climbed up to Wave and Marshall's bed to see what was going on. Zuma's next question hit Marshall like a brick. "Are you suwe YOU can?"

Marshall realized that Zuma was referring to him. But why? He had to know he'd be able to help, given that he's an older sibling too. "Of course I can help. I'm an older brother too Zuma. You know this." Wave held Marshall's paw, sensing how stressed he was getting. "You also know we've been there during the times Wave was in danger."

"And the many times she pwotected you?" Zuma asked, leaving Marshall stumped. He started to shake as Zuma pointed out every memory that came to mind. "When you fiwst joined the team, it was Wave who helped you most with your panic attacks. When you tuwned into a demon, it was Wave who saved you. And when most of us got pawalized in Slash's last attack, it was Wave who bwoke out of it to save Sid and Awwby." Rocky was shocked by how far Zuma was going. He really did feel like he had to push the others away. "I'll ask again. Are you suwe?"

While Zuma's words were cold, Marshall couldn't retort. Zuma gave him ten seconds. But he couldn't think of how to correct him. All he could do was listen as Zuma finished the call. "I thought so. Bye Mawshall." Zuma hung up, and Marshall simply looked at his phone. He didn't hear Wave and Snow trying to comfort him. All he could do was sit there in despair. Was he really doing that bad of a job protecting Wave? Was he really doing that bad of a job at being... her brother?

Right after the call ended, Rocky and Zuma were walking into town beside each other. Nigel was sleeping in his boat, and he opened an eye when he felt their presence. He also heard Rocky expressing his thoughts on the call from Marshall. "Marshall didn't deserve that Zuma. He just wants to help."

"How can he when he can't even pwotect Wave?" Zuma asked, looking back at Rocky when continuing his point. "And even if he was bettew at it, it's like I told you. Bloodfweak is my tie to cut, and my tie alone."

As Rocky argued against that point, Nigel grinned when he saw Rocky and Zuma and started getting out of his boat. "Then why did you let ME come along?"

"Because you snuck off to the dock befowe I got thewe." Zuma reminded Rocky as Nigel made his way over to them. Zuma felt bad about not mentioning the other big reason he wanted to do this alone. That was another reason he let Rocky come. He DID understand loneliness. He knew what it felt like. Wave and the others didn't know the crippling feeling of being all on your own, not knowing the fate of your families. If anyone was going to save Melody from that, it had to be from someone who understood it. Someone who didn't wish that upon anyone.

Zuma decided to change the subject before things got heated. He tried to show some optimism in regards to how fast the two got here. "Anyway, we'we making gweat pwogess. If we split up, we could-"

"Zuma!" Rocky and Zuma looked to see Nigel walking over to them. They stopped at the start of the dock when they did. Both of them confused by how friendly he was acting. "You finally made it!"

That's when it clicked with them. Bloodfreak must have asked Nigel to wait here. Why else would he have been waiting for them when they never met? Zuma didn't waste a second after sharing a glance and nod with Rocky. "Whewe's Melody?"

Nigel did his best to defuse any tension. "Hey, come on. No need to get hostile."

Zuma stormed over to Nigel to get him to talk. "Your leadew and his fling captuwed my sistew! You tell ME how I'm supposed to act fwom that!"

"Okay, fair point. Actually, that's what I wanted to talk about." Nigel informed Zuma, and Rocky got right next to Zuma in case Nigel made any sudden moves. "My name's Nigel. I was asked to make a deal with you."

"If it's to wejoin Bloodfweak's gang then fowget it." Zuma stated harshly. "Eighteen months in youw gang was enough for me."

Nigel had a feeling this was gonna be a tough sell. Perhaps he'd have to resort to violent measures. That was when Rocky chimed in. "We just want Melody back. If you give her back peacefully, we can go home, and no one gets hurt." Zuma's heart ached when Rocky said that. If only he knew what he planned on doing to Bloodfreak.

Nigel couldn't accept that deal anyway. His orders from Bloodfreak were clear. And he was going to fulfill them. His smile changed to a serious expression as he closed his eyes. After exhaling, he made his response. "Not happening." Zuma was starting to get angrier, glaring at Nigel. "Bloodfreak made it pretty clear he wanted me to recruit you." Nigel reached into his pocket, which Rocky noticed right away; while Zuma was fuming too much to do so. "And if I have to do it by force..." He took a device out and aimed it at Zuma. "then so be it!"

"Zuma!" Rocky pushed Zuma out of the way just as the device formed. The device turned into some incredibly powerful ropes, one that somehow managed to keep Rocky tied up.

Zuma looked back in fear after Rocky got tied up. "Wocky!" Rocky tried to use his powers on them, but he couldn't. Even though it felt rougher than steel, it was just regular rope. He'd have to inspect this later for prosperity.

Zuma rushed over to help Rocky, only for Nigel to grab him right there. "Give it up." Zuma glared back at Nigel, who explained how the rope worked. "This rope may not look like much. But it's stronger than steel." Nigel attempted to walk off with Zuma, who quickly revealed that he greatly underestimated him. After tucking his locket away, Zuma elbowed Nigel in the gut, stunning him enough to make him let go. After that, Zuma grabbed him by his chest and turned around. He punched him as hard as he could, sending him across the dock. He skidded over to the edge.

Nigel managed to stop himself from falling off, but Zuma's strength still astounded him. Bloodfreak wasn't kidding when he said Zuma would be valuable. Several citizens in Coastal Current were watching, and Zuma advised them to leave this to him. "Evewyone stand back! I've got this!"

Nigel got back up, trying to persuade Zuma to join them again. "That's some power ya got there kid." Zuma started fuming again when Nigel continued. "You could protect Melody from-"

"You don't get to say her name!" Zuma shouted, making Nigel flinch, and stunning Rocky. He hadn't seen Zuma get this scary in a long time. He knew he'd most likely see it again, but it still surprised him to see it come back. Zuma didn't even notice as he focused all of his attention on Nigel. "Fiwst, you help captuwe my sistew. And now, you pull this cwap on my boyfwiend." Zuma clenched his fists as he got ready to fight. "Instead of wecwuiting me... you should be getting weady to fight for youw life."

Zuma stared Nigel down, and Nigel realized he wasn't getting out of this. He got into a starting position as Zuma stared him down. Nigel charged at Zuma, who instantly proved that to be a mistake on his part. He dodged Nigel's punch with a simple move of his head. Nigel then aimed several more punches and kicks at Zuma, who dodged them all with agile body movements. He didn't even move from where he stood. However, upon dodging the twentieth punch, he was starting to get tired of it. So he kicked Nigel back and caused him to tumble again.

Zuma walked towards Nigel, who took out a knife and got ready to start slashing at Zuma. He charged at him again and aimed a slash. Zuma simply caught his wrist and crushed it, causing Nigel to wince and drop the knife. Zuma pulled Nigel down and kneed him in the gut. He then punched him towards the ground before kicking him towards the dock again. He walked up to Rocky and inspected the rope he was tied up with. Untying it would be tough, but they could pull it off.

Nigel looked at Zuma, shivering as he thought about what to do next. It was clear he wasn't usually a fighter in Bloodfreak's gang. But that didn't stop him from doing so for the gang. He stood up and got Zuma's attention. "Hey!" Zuma glared at Nigel, who almost fell in because of how cold Zuma's glare was. Nigel hoped what he had to say next would calm Zuma down a little. "Just so you know... that was meant for you." Nigel hoped him noticing how set off Zuma was by Rocky being tied up would help. But Zuma simply stood up and kept his gaze.

Zuma used his water powers to grab the knife, which stunned Nigel when he saw it. Upon catching the knife and putting it away, Zuma pointed out one flaw with Nigel's plan. "Wegawdless of what you planned befowe, you still used youw knife now."

"I only started using it because I knew you could beat me in paw to paw combat!" Nigel excused, walking up to Zuma as he reached into his back pocket. Rocky and Zuma noticed this instantly, and Zuma kept his guard up. "I can help you untie him. I have something specifically made for this kind of rope."

Rocky and Zuma could see it in Nigel's eyes. He was going to deceive them. This was made even more evident when Nigel grabbed the gun he had on him. Both Rocky and Zuma knew what the latter was planning on doing. Zuma decided to throw Nigel down for size a bit with his next words. "Tell me Nigel. Did Bloodfweak weally change fwom his evewy dog for himself mentality?"

"Oh yeah, as much as one ever could!" Nigel responded assuredly, confident that he could get through to Zuma now. "He realized how much you saving Paleclaw that day meant. That you thinking about others was part of your value as a member."

Zuma walked over to Nigel while feigning a smile. "That's good. The only way gwowth can happen is if we leawn."

"Exactly." Nigel said in agreement. "All we want is to show you that our gang is better for you now. We haven't even touched Melody yet." Zuma knew that was a lie. How else would they have her locked up? He kept in his rage as he and Nigel met at the dock. "You're the key to getting this gang back on track." Zuma didn't budge. He didn't show his true emotions yet, but Nigel could tell he wasn't convinced. The two simply gazed at each other for twenty seconds. When Nigel had enough, he readied his gun. "We'll patch this up!" And at the same time...

Zuma swiftly lunged at Nigel and stabbed him right in the gut with his own knife! Rocky knew it was going to happen, but the sight still gave him chills. Nigel was unable to defend himself due to the shock. He dropped his gun, and Zuma shared him some final words for when he went to Heaven. Or Hell. Wherever Nigel would end up. "Twy using knives next time. Better for close encountews." Zuma removed the knife from Nigel's gut and stabbed him in the head, killing him instantly.

Zuma made sure Nigel was dead, watching his eyes to know when he went numb. When he did, Zuma started to get more desperate. He realized more what he had to do in order to save Melody. But first, he had to get what he needed from Nigel. He let go of him, allowing him to fall to the ground. He then started searching Nigel for the device that would free Rocky. He managed to find something that fit the lock in Nigel's other back pocket. He tried to hide his fear by showing genuine concern for Rocky upon untying him. "Awe you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." Rocky assured Zuma, hugging him right after being untied. "I'm so glad you're not hurt." Zuma wrapped his arms around Zuma, but their hug ended briefly after he did. They knew they had to properly deal with Nigel's body. The last thing anyone needed was a bloody body on the dock.

Rocky and Zuma were filling Nigel's grave at the cemetery. Rocky noticed some of the people watching them. He wasn't sure if Zuma did, but if he did, then he'd know how scared they were too. Even though they saw the whole thing, it was easy to see that Zuma's emotions were still overwhelming his mind. He tried to comfort Zuma, hoping it would help. "We'll find her Zoomy. I know we will." Zuma didn't hear what Rocky said. He was still processing the gravity of the situation. He knew he was willing to take care of anyone in his way, but- "Zoomy?"

Zuma felt Rocky nudging him and looked to see his worried face. "Oh. Yeah. I know too. Thanks Wocky." Zuma wasn't as affectionate with Rocky as he usually was. He didn't even try to smile like he did before. "Sowwy, I'm just lost in thought." Rocky and Zuma finished digging the grave with Zuma patting it before explaining himself. "I knew it wasn't gonna be as easy as me finding Melody and ending things with Bloodfweak. But I didn't think he'd have non-fightews I might have to kill."

Rocky walked up to Zuma and took his paw. He rubbed it for consolation. He knew the kill was making him more desperate. "I understand Zuma. It's okay to feel this way. We all have confusing thoughts sometimes."

Zuma didn't pull away, but he couldn't bring himself to return Rocky's affection. "Wocky." And even if he could, he got a sudden call that led to him checking his Pup-Phone. It was from Bloodfreak himself! How did he get Zuma's number? "Bloodfweak? Did he extowt this out of Melody!?" Zuma furiously answered the call, allowing Bloodfreak to speak. "Speak up Bloodfweak!"

Bloodfreak was on the other end, sitting in the main hallway of his base. It looked like one of those cheap bars you'd find in a run down neighborhood. Perfect for gang territory. "Hello Zuma. I'm glad you picked up." Rocky noticed Zuma clenching his fist as Bloodfreak shared something with him. "I'm glad Melody decided to share your number. I wanted to call Nigel instead, but um... he hasn't been picking up." Bloodfreak poured himself some water before he asked his question. "You wouldn't happen to know how-"

"I killed him." Zuma answered, his determination to save Melody showing once again. While he never lost it, Bloodfreak's call broke Zuma out of his state of shock.

Bloodfreak was disappointed to hear this. He even looked sad to hear that Nigel died. He pounded his fist on the table before trying to keep his cool. He couldn't snap now. He had to make sure the plan succeeded. Whatever drove him to believe it would was anyone's guess. "I see. He will be missed. Did you give him a proper burial?"

"Yeah. I did." Zuma answered, not wanting to mention Rocky. The last thing he wanted was for Bloodfreak to target him. "I think my intentions go without saying. I want my sistew back. And don't think I'm scawed of you, or your fwiends." Bloodfreak could see how determined Zuma was to see his mission through. If he COULD convince him, it'd be harder than he thought. "If you don't tell me whewe your base is, I'll hunt you down, and kill evewyone in your stwuggling tewwowist ciwcus."

Bloodfreak had a plan of his own, and he started mapping out directions for Zuma. "I'll send you a picture of our base location. You good with maps?"

"Yeah. And if you scwew with me, you'we dead." Zuma stated before hanging up. And as soon as he did, Bloodfreak sent him the map location. Zuma recognized the spot instantly. Luckily, he knew a lot of spots on the island. He looked to Rocky, being more than ready to head to the next location. "This could be anothew twap Wocky. Be on your guawd."

"Always." Rocky assured Zuma, knowing as well as him how dangerous this could be. "And if it's YOU who gets overwhelmed or trapped, I'll be there."

"Thanks, but I'll make suwe that doesn't happen." Zuma informed Rocky, twirling his paw around his wrist for a bit to test something. He recalled his battle with Wave, and decided to avoid something that led to one flawed move. 'If I can avoid being caught off guard like Wave was.' When he smiled, that made Rocky pleased. He didn't know what it was, but at least Zuma was still doing his best to stay positive. Not that he wouldn't be there to help him vent or cry mind you.

And with that, Zuma headed off with Rocky behind him. "Sowwy you had to see that fight! I'm only after Bloodfweak's gang!" After assuring the villagers he wouldn't hurt them, Zuma set his sights on the location Bloodfreak shared.

Back at Bloodfreak's base, Bloodfreak was still sitting at the bar. He was giving a call to one of his subordinates. This subordinate was revealed to be a Rottweiler who was in front of the abandoned Coastal Current orphanage. This was in the opposite direction of the cemetery, which kept Rocky and Zuma from spotting him. The Rottweiler answered his phone, seeming quite cocky when he answered. "BF! How's it goin?"

"Not so hot Marley. Nigel's dead." Bloodfreak shared, leaving Marley a little shocked by the news. "Zuma's on his way to a fake location I gave him right now."

Marley got disappointed when he realized he wasn't gonna be fighting Zuma. "Aw man, you mean I missed him? I was psyched when you said he was coming."

"You'll get to see him again soon Marley." Bloodfreak assured Marley as he laid out some other subordinates. "We just have to find the one thing that'll convince him. Apparently, capturing his sister wasn't it."

"Well, I'll keep hanging out around here while you figure that out." Marley said, knowing his job was to stand by the orphanage anyway. "Maybe one of Zuma's Paw Patrol buddies will come and I'll get to throw down with them."

Bloodfreak finished laying out the subordinates as he ended the call. "You do that Marley. Over and out." Bloodfreak hung up before looking at the ten pictures he laid out. Aside from Marley, there was a picture of Lottie as well. There was also two Landseers, a green cat, a Shiba Inu, a coyote, an English Sheepdog, a Great Pyrenees, and a Wolfhound. He slammed his paw on the table over having been brought down to fifty five members. His desperate expression was clear when he made his next call. "Tom! Jerry! You're up next! Be ready to use force."

To be continued

Rock music started playing as Claw started talking about what was going to happen with specific moments from the next chapter being shown. "We're finally at Coastal Current. My first mission as lead dog begins now. Wow, the orphanage really has gone to hell. Can't say I'm surprised. Zuma and I hated it there. Wait. Is that who I think it is? Marley!? I didn't think he still lived here. Oh great, he's in Bloodfreak's gang. Guess I'll have to fight him."

Claw finished the announcement with the words Paw Patrol in all blue with red outlines surrounded with a white border with Wave on the right, and Marshall on the left. "Next time, From Bully to Gang Member!" A flashback was shown of Claw unleashing a big fart on Marley, who walked up to him in an attempt to perform a kancho prank, and then Claw and Zuma laughed as Claw continued farting. "Zuma and I sure loved messing with him for bullying the others."